Hand-held personal defense weapon

ABSTRACT

A hand-held personal defense weapon, including an elongate grip for being held in and grasped by a closed hand of a user and first and second enlarged, solid impact elements formed of a hard, durable material carried on first and second opposed ends of the grip, each of the impact elements including a distal impact zone of reduced surface area for permitting the weapon to be swung in either a forehand, backhand, downward or uppercut stroke against an assailant.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a hand-held personal defense weapon intended to provide non-lethal but momentarily disabling pain to an assailant. The weapon is lightweight, simple to construct, effective and easily carried in a pocket or purse. The weapon is intended to be readily available to the user in order to permit the user to defend himself or herself against an assailant with a weapon which, even if taken away from the user and used by the assailant, will not cause permanent injury. The weapon can be made in different sizes, weights and shapes.

[0002] There are presently many legal restrictions on the type of personal defense weapons which may be carried by a persons for self-defense. Weapons such as guns, knives and other sharp objects such as files, eating utensils and similar objects are presently banned in many buildings and on most forms of public transportation, especially passenger aircraft.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a weapon which is lightweight.

[0004] It is another object of the invention to provide a weapon which is easy to use.

[0005] It is another object of the invention to provide a weapon which is easy to manufacture.

[0006] It is another object of the invention to provide a weapon which is presently legal to carry on the person.

[0007] It is another object of the invention to provide a weapon which is effective to momentarily disable an assailant but which is not lethal and is not likely to cause permanent injury.

[0008] These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing a hand-held personal defense weapon, comprising an elongate grip for being held in and grasped by a closed hand of a user and first and second enlarged, solid impact elements formed of a hard, durable material carried on first and second opposed ends of the grip, each of the impact elements including a distal impact zone of reduced surface area for permitting the weapon to be swung in either a forehand, backhand, downward or uppercut stroke against an assailant.

[0009] Preferably, the grip is annular.

[0010] According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the grip is greatest at a midpoint between the first and second opposed ends.

[0011] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the grip includes grooves formed in the surface thereof to provide an enhanced grip on the weapon by the user.

[0012] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the grooves are concentric and spaced-apart from each other.

[0013] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second impact elements are integrally-formed with the grip.

[0014] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second impact elements are separately formed and secured to respective first and second opposed ends of the grip.

[0015] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second impact elements include respective bores therein and receiving first and second mating attachment elements therein.

[0016] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the bores and the attachment elements include mating threads thereon for permitting the impact elements to be threaded onto the attachment elements.

[0017] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the impact elements are formed of a material selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic and metal.

[0018] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the grip and the impact elements are formed of a material selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic and metal.

[0019] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the impact elements include studs formed on the surface thereof for further reducing the surface area of the of the impact zone.

[0020] Preferably, the studs are pyramid-shaped to provide outwardly extending impact points.

[0021] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the impact elements each include a surface proximate the grip and extending outwardly therefrom for retaining the weapon in the hand upon impact, the surface being at a right angle to the grip at the point adjacent thereto.

[0022] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the weapon includes an elongate annular grip for being held in and grasped by a closed hand of a user and integrally-formed first and second enlarged, solid impact elements. The grip and impact elements are each formed of a hard, durable material and are carried on first and second opposed ends of the grip. Each of the impact elements include a distal impact zone of reduced surface area for permitting the weapon to be swung in either a forehand, backhand, downward or uppercut stroke against an assailant. The impact elements each include a surface proximate the grip and extending outwardly therefrom for retaining the weapon in the hand upon impact. The surface is at a right angle to the grip at the point adjacent thereto. The weapon is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic and metal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the invention proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0024]FIG. 1 shows a hypothetical environmental use of the invention according to one preferred embodiment;

[0025]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the weapon;

[0026]FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the weapon shown in FIG. 2;

[0027]FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the weapon shown in FIG. 2;

[0028]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the weapon;

[0029]FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the weapon shown in FIG. 5;

[0030]FIG. 7 is a cross-section of a weapon according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and fabricated of plastic; and

[0031]FIG. 8 is a cross-section of a weapon according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and fabricated of metal.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE

[0032] Referring now specifically to the drawings, a weapon according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 and shown generally at reference numeral 10 according to a hypothetical use. As shown, the weapon 10 is grasped in the palm of the hand. The weapon 10 is preferably symmetrical side-to-side so that it is easily usable in either hand. However, one or the other ends could be made larger than the other or of a different shape or material, if desired.

[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the weapon 10 is preferably integrally formed, and includes a grip 11 for being grasped in the palm of the hand. The grip 11 preferably includes some form of surface texturing to increase the grip between the weapon 10 and the palm of the hand. As shown in FIG. 2, the texturing comprises several spaced-apart, shallow concentric grooves 12. Note that the grip 21 is preferably larger in diameter in the middle than on the opposing ends.

[0034] Formed on each end of the grip 11 are impact elements 14 and 15. The impact elements 14 and 15 include respective impact zones 14A, 15A formed by the outwardly tapered, mushroom cap-shaped configuration of the impact elements 14 and 15. Surfaces 14B, 15B, respectively, defined by the larger diameter of the impact elements 14, 15 are at a right angle to the surface of the grip 11 adjacent to the surfaces 14B, 15B. This feature, combined with the larger diameter, on the order of twice the diameter of the adjacent surfaces of the grip 11, prevents the weapon 10 from being dislodged from the hand even upon hard impact. As an alternative embodiment, the transition between the grip 11 and the impact elements 14 and 15 can be radiused to define a curve (not shown).

[0035] The weapon 10 is preferably fabricated of wood and, given its symmetrical shape, is easily formed on a wood-turning lathe. Any suitable wood may be used. However, the shape and efficiency of the weapon 10 does not require fabrication from a heavy or dense wood such as maple or hickory. Relatively soft, lightweight woods such as pine and poplar are equally suitable.

[0036] The symmetrical shape of the weapon 10 permits the weapon to be used in any direction without out changing the orientation of the weapon 10 in the hand. If being swung laterally, the weapon 10 may be swung in a backhand direction or a forehand direction. If being swung vertically or obliquely, the weapon may be swung from over the head downwardly onto the assailant, for example, onto the skull, chest or hand of the assailant, or upwardly in an uppercutting motion against the jaw. It has been determined that the impact of the impact zone 14A or 15A will, for example, cause exquisite pain to the top of the hand, foot, knee sternum, shin, ankle or other body parts, particularly those without significant amounts of tissue between the skin and bone. This pain can be inflicted with even moderate force, but without permanent injury.

[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown and identified broadly at reference numeral 20. The weapon 20 is formed from a separately constructed grip 21 for being grasped in the palm of the hand. The grip 21 preferably includes some form of surface texturing to increase the grip between the weapon 20 and the palm of the hand, such as several spaced-apart, shallow concentric grooves 22.

[0038] Positioned on each end of the grip 21 are impact elements 24 and 25. The impact elements 24 and 25 include respective impact zones 24A, 25A formed by the tapered mushroom cap-shaped configuration of the impact elements 24 and 25. Surfaces 24B, 25B, respectively, defined by the larger diameter of the impact elements 24, 25 are preferably at a right angle to the surface of the grip 11 adjacent to the surfaces 24B, 25B. These feature, combined with the larger diameter, on the order of twice the diameter of the adjacent surfaces of the grip 21, prevent the weapon 20 from being dislodged from the hand even upon hard impact.

[0039] The impact elements 24, 25 are secured to opposite ends of the grip 21 by forming bores 24C, 25C respectively, into which are fitted attachment elements, such as dowels 26 and 27. Threads may be used, as shown in FIG. 6, or the connection may be made with a press fit. In either case, supplementary attachment means such as a brad or glue may be sued to reenforce the connection. The impact elements 24, 25 may be fabricated from the same material as the grip 21 or may be from the same of a different material. For example, the grip 21 may be fabricated from wood, plastic or metal, and the impact elements 24, 25 fabricated from any of the materials wood, plastic or metal.

[0040] As is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, weapons 30 and 40, respectively, according to the design features described above with reference to weapons 10 and 20, may be made from a suitable plastic material, FIG. 7, or a suitable metal material, FIG. 8. Suitable plastic materials include any hard, durable plastic material, and include but are not limited to synthetic and natural rubber and synthetic materials such as nylon. Suitable metal materials include but are not limited to aluminum, titanium, brass and steel. It should be noted that the weapon 10 need not be heavy in order to serve its intended purpose. It is not the weight but the speed of impact of the impact element which momentarily disables the assailant.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 9, a weapon 50 is shown, and may be constructed as an integral element as with weapon 10, or with separate impact elements, as with weapon 20. Weapon 50 includes a grip 51 for being grasped in the palm of the hand. The grip 51 preferably includes some form of surface texturing such as several spaced-apart, shallow concentric grooves 52. By way of illustration, formed on each end of the grip 51 are impact elements 54 and 55. The impact elements 54 and 55 include respective impact zones 54A, 55A formed by the tapered mushroom cap-shaped configuration of the impact elements 14 and 15. Surfaces 54B, 55B, respectively, defined by the larger diameter of the impact elements 14, 15, are preferably at a right angle to the surface of the grip 11 adjacent to the surfaces 14B, 15B. At least the impact surfaces 54A, 55A are provided with pyramids 56 and 57 respectively which project outwardly from the surface and substantially reduce the surface area of actual impact, thus increasing the force applied per unit of area. Other shapes, such as convex hemispheres, may also be used, and may be integrally formed by knurling or applied as separate elements.

[0042] The dimensions of a typical weapon of the types described above according to one preferred embodiment are: End-to-end length 5.5″ (14 cm) Diameter of grip at centerpoint 1.25″ (3.2 cm) Diameter of grip at opposing ends .75″ (2 cm) Width of grooves .06″ (1.6 mm) Depth of grooves .06″ (1.6 mm) Max. diameter of impact elements 4.25″ (10.8 cm) Length of impact elements 1″ (2.5 cm)

[0043] A hand-held personal defense weapon is described above. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims. 

I claim:
 1. A hand-held personal defense weapon, comprising: (a) an elongate grip for being held in and grasped by a closed hand of a user; and (b) first and second enlarged, solid impact elements formed of a hard, durable material carried on first and second opposed ends of the grip, each of said impact elements including a distal impact zone of reduced surface area for permitting the weapon to be swung in either a forehand, backhand, downward or uppercut stroke against an assailant.
 2. A hand-held personal defense weapon according to claim 1, wherein said grip is annular.
 3. A hand-held personal defense weapon according to claim 2, wherein the diameter of the grip is greatest at a midpoint between the first and second opposed ends.
 4. A hand-held personal defense weapon according to claim 1, wherein said grip includes grooves formed in the surface thereof to provide an enhanced grip on the weapon by the user.
 5. A hand-held personal defense weapon according to claim 4, wherein said grooves are concentric and spaced-apart from each other.
 6. A hand-held personal defense weapon according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said first and second impact elements are integrally-formed with the grip.
 7. A hand-held personal defense weapon according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said first and second impact elements are separately formed and secured to respective first and second opposed ends of the grip.
 8. A hand-held personal defense weapon according to claim 7, wherein said first and second impact elements include respective bores therein and receiving first and second mating attachment elements therein.
 9. A hand-held personal defense weapon according to claim 8, wherein said bores and said attachment elements include mating threads thereon for permitting the impact elements to be threaded onto the attachment elements.
 10. A hand-held personal defense weapon according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the impact elements are formed of a material selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic and metal.
 11. A hand-held personal defense weapon according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the grip and the impact elements are formed of a material selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic and metal.
 12. A hand-held personal defense weapon according to claim 11, wherein the impact elements include studs formed on the surface thereof for further reducing the surface area of the of the impact zone.
 13. A hand-held personal defense weapon according to claim 12, wherein said studs are pyramid-shaped to provide outwardly extending impact points.
 14. A hand-held personal defense weapon according to claim 13, wherein the impact elements each include a surface proximate the grip and extending outwardly therefrom for retaining the weapon in the hand upon impact, said surface being at a right angle to the grip at the point adjacent thereto.
 15. A hand-held personal defense weapon, comprising: (a) an elongate annular grip for being held in and grasped by a closed hand of a user and integrally-formed first and second enlarged, solid impact elements; (b) said grip and impact elements each formed of a hard, durable material and carried on first and second opposed ends of the grip; (c) each of said impact elements including a distal impact zone of reduced surface area for permitting the weapon to be swung in either a forehand, backhand, downward or uppercut stroke against an assailant; (d) the impact elements each include a surface proximate the grip and extending outwardly therefrom for retaining the weapon in the hand upon impact; and (e) said surface being at a right angle to the grip at the point adjacent thereto said weapon formed of a material selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic and metal. 